The Kookaburra Flies Into a New Direction: A Silver Legend Reborn as Mini Gold Coin
by Sebastian Wieschowski
Since 1990, the Kookaburra has been known as an iconic motif on silver coins minted by the renowned Perth Mint. Each year, the Mint proudly presents a new, intricately designed pattern, making the Silver Kookaburra coins coveted collector's items and popular investment opportunities. However, it was only recently, in 2020, that the Perth Mint took a bold step and expanded its offerings to include a gold coin featuring the familiar Kookaburra motif, weighing 1/10 ounce. At that time, the Kookaburra celebrated its 30th anniversary, and due to strong demand, the unique gold coin became a permanent product.
The history of the Kookaburra as a silver investment coin is a fascinating journey through Australian numismatics. For three decades, the Perth Mint has surprised both collectors and investors with annually changing motifs capturing the beauty and diversity of Australia. From majestic Kookaburras flying over vast landscapes to detailed portraits of these characteristic birds in their natural habitat, each coin tells a unique story. The limited mintage of each issue, with a maximum of only one million pieces in the latest release, not only makes them coveted collector's items but also attractive investment options for investors worldwide.
The Kookaburra, also known as the laughing Hans, is a symbol of Australia and a fascinating animal in the wildlife. Members of the Kingfisher family, they are known for their distinctive, laughing call, often compared to a cheerful human laughter. With their characteristic plumage and lively personality, Kookaburras embody the spirit of the Australian wilderness and symbolize freedom and adventure.
The introduction of the 1/10 ounce gold coin featuring the Kookaburra motif was eagerly awaited by collectors and investors alike. The gold investment coins from the Perth Mint are considered world-class and have many fans – but until now, the official investment motif from Australia was only the Kangaroo. The combination of the noble metal with the popular Kookaburra motif adds extra appeal to the coin, making it a coveted collector's item and an attractive investment option.
For collectors, the gold coin offers the opportunity to expand their collection with a piece that is not only aesthetically pleasing but also has high intrinsic value. Investors appreciate the stability and value retention of gold in times of economic uncertainty and use the 1/10 ounce Gold Kookaburra to hedge their assets. Furthermore, the weight unit of one-tenth of an ounce fits into any investment budget, ensuring that the gold coins are available at a modest price.
Sebastian Wieschowski has been collecting coins since childhood and, after working as a journalist with a focus on finance and economy, has switched his focus on coins and precious since 2012. He is the author of several self-published books on Bullion Coins, Panda Coins, Fake Coins and Coin Grading and works for numismatic magazines. He is also a recurring expert on the German television program Münzengalerie (Coin Gallery), the longest running numismatic television show in the world. You can find out more about his work at coinosseur.com
